District 6 -Wapello county.
Due to the nature of this work, candidates must live in one of the counties listed above to be considered for this role.
Company Background
The Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) has supported Iowa’s community health centers for over 36 years to expand access to affordable, high quality, integrated care. The Iowa PCA, along with our sister companies INConcertCare (INCC) and IowaHealth+ (IH+), provides training, technical assistance, and shared services opportunities in quality improvement, value-based care, health information technology, and other areas. We are now expanding our services through a new partnership with Iowa Health and Human Services to serve as the new statewide Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization (BH-ASO). It’s an exciting opportunity to expand our efforts and connection to the broader behavioral health safety net.
Purpose of the Position
The Behavioral Health System Navigator plays a vital role in supporting Iowans on their journey to emotional wellness and recovery. Behavioral Health System Navigators walk alongside individuals and families as they explore behavioral health services—helping them understand their options, connect to care, and overcome barriers that may stand in the way. Reporting to the Lead Behavioral Health System Navigator, this position emphasizes partnership, education, and practical support—particularly for those who are uninsured or underinsured. The goal is to make sure no one feels lost or alone when seeking help and that everyone has a clear path to services that fit their needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties outline key responsibilities for the Behavioral Health System Navigator position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.
Person-Centered Navigation and Support
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Be a welcoming first point of contact for individuals and families seeking help through the Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO).
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Help people understand what services are available, who is eligible, and how to get started—especially in times of stress or crisis.
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Walk alongside individuals and families as they make referrals to providers and community supports—empowering them with information, answering questions, and ensuring referrals align with their unique needs and goals.
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Support people in overcoming common barriers to care, such as insurance issues, transportation, or language needs—including helping with service applications when needed.
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Work closely with Mobile Crisis Services, Access Centers, and other partners to respond quickly and compassionately during urgent situations.
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Use brief, evidence-based screening tools, as needed, to help clarify needs and guide next steps in a respectful and responsive way.
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Collaborate with law enforcement, jails, and justice partners to support individuals with behavioral health needs, especially during transitions back into the community and in efforts to avoid incarceration.
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Ensure all interactions are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in respect for the person’s lived experience.
2. Ongoing Support and follow up:
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Stay connected after the initial referral, ensuring people and families have access to the help they need, when they need it.
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Support people and families through transitions from hospitals, crisis or residential services into the community.
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Follow up to ensure services were accessed successfully and assist if further help is needed.
3. Building and Maintaining Community Partnerships
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Build strong relationships with local providers, peer facilitated programs, community organizations and support networks.
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Develop effective and inclusive community outreach to establish community referral pathways.
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Stay updated on services and supports available in the community and share that information with peers and people and families seeking support.
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Attend community meetings or events to stay informed of resources, changes, and trends to promote collaborative approaches to care.
4. Training and Development:
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Participate in ongoing training to maintain knowledge of behavioral health best practices, evidence-based interventions, and evolving community resources.
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Stay current on BH-ASO policies, Medicaid and non-Medicaid benefits, and statewide resource availability.
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Participate in quality improvement efforts, training, and cross-system collaboration.
5. Compliance and Risk Management:
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Utilize required case management software, referral platforms and eligibility tools to document assessments, track service delivery and close loop referrals, monitor individual progress, ensure accountability in system navigation, and determine eligibility for Medicaid or other benefits.
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Document all navigation activities accurately and in a timely manner using ASO-designated systems.
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Adhere strictly to privacy regulations, confidentiality standards (HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2), and other compliance requirements related to client interactions and documentation.
Qualifications
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Education:
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Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing or a related field required;(experience may be substituted).
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People with lived experience and peer support experience are highly encouraged to apply.
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Experience:
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At least two years of experience working in behavioral health, care coordination, or system navigation roles.
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Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), substance use disorders (SUD), or co-occurring conditions.
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Knowledge of Iowa’s behavioral health system, including Medicaid-funded and non-Medicaid services.
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Skills:
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Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills with a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach.
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Comfortable working independently, remotely, and in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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Proficiency with electronic documentation and virtual communication tools.
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Strong written and verbal communication, including experience presenting to diverse audiences.
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Proficiency with data systems and analytics tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint).
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Self-motivated, results-oriented, and skilled in prioritizing multiple initiatives.
Work Environment and Travel
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On-site work required at least two days per week in location within assigned district.
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Valid Iowa driver’s license and ability to travel regionally as needed.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Why join us?
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The opportunity to make an impact on the healthcare of Iowans
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Great benefits including affordable healthcare plans, dental, vision, 401K with employer match, generous PTO package, paid parental leave, life insurance, and education discounts
Iowa Primary Care Association Core Values
Accountable, Collaborative, Deliberate, Proactive, Respectful, Transformative
Learn more about the Iowa PCA at www.iowapca.org
